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The demise of Suzuki’s 645 cc V-twin seemed all but official.
The engine’s heir apparent, a 776 cc parallel twin, already powered the GSX-8S, GSX-8R, GSX-8T/TT, and V-Strom 800 series. Its prospects seemed even more dismal in September, when Suzuki discontinued the legendary SV650 in Europe. The move seemingly signaled an eventual phase-out for the time-tested V-twin.
Instead, Suzuki anted up, debuting an updated 645 cc V-twin in the all-new SV-7GX.
A new lease on life
Within the 7GX, Suzuki’s 90-degree V-twin retains much of its performance profile, producing a claimed 72.4 horsepower (at 8,500 rpm) and 47.2 foot-pounds of torque (at 6,800 rpm). What the aging engine did earn were technological touch-ups frequently withheld by Suzuki. The first of which is a ride-by-wire throttle system. That one addition unlocks ride modes (A, B, and C), multi-level traction control, and a bi-directional quickshifter. Not bad for an engine that’s historically featured a cable-actuated throttle.
Like the SV650 before it, the SV-7GX’s V-twin resides inside a tubular steel frame. Flanking the model is a 41 mm fork and a preload-adjustable rear shock. The former yields 4.9 inches of travel. The latter steps that up to 5.1 inches. Both lift the 7GX’s ground clearance to a crossover-appropriate 5.3 inches, all while keeping the seat height at a manageable 31.3 inches.
Sticking to the paved path, the newest SV opts for a 10-spoke 17-inch cast wheelset shod in Pirelli Angel GT II sport-touring radials. A set of four-piston calipers and twin 290 mm discs provide much of the stopping power, while ABS is one of the only technological carryovers from previous-gen SVs.
What will all these updates cost, you ask? Well, that’s difficult to say, as Suzuki has yet to announce U.S. pricing. Although, it does anticipate the first SV-7GXs to arrive stateside by mid-2026. Sure, the sport-tourer’s introduction breathes life back into Suzuki’s 645 cc V-twin, but more than anything, it poses more questions about the engine’s future.
With a revised V-twin at its disposal, will Suzuki roll out a renewed SV650? Is an updated V-Strom 650 on the horizon? Will the techy renovations attract newer riders or alienate the traditionalists who still treasure the veteran V-twin? Given its recent track record, I have a feeling Suzuki will answer those questions in the coming years.
| 2026 Suzuki SV-7GX | |
|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | TBA |
| Engine | 645 cc, liquid-cooled, eight-valve, V-twin |
|
Transmission, final drive |
Six-speed, chain |
| Claimed horsepower | 72.4 @ 8,500 rpm |
| Claimed torque | 47.2 foot-pounds @ 6,800 rpm |
| Frame | Steel tubular |
| Front suspension | 41 mm fork; 4.9 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | Monoshock, adjustable for spring preload; 5.1 inches of travel |
| Front brake | Dual four-piston calipers, 290 mm discs with ABS |
| Rear brake | Single-piston caliper, 240 mm with ABS |
| Rake, trail | 25.0 degrees, 4.2 inches |
| Wheelbase | 56.9 inches |
| Seat height | 31.3 inches |
| Fuel capacity | 4.5 gallons |
| Tires | Pirelli Angel GT II, 120/70ZR17 front, 160/60ZR17 rear |
| Claimed weight | 465 pounds |
| Available | Mid-2026 |
| Warranty | 12 months |
| More info | suzukicycles.com |
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